Puppy eats Spanish Moss

[POLLEYD]

We have a 8 mo old mixed breed puppy who has started eating the spanish
moss out of the silk plant pots. The mossy stuff used in the pot. He
makes a huge mess with this stuff and no matter what we do or how we
discipline, he continues to eat it. Is there something we can spray it
with that will discourage him from eating it, but also won't make him sick
if he does eat it? The only time he seems to do it is when we're at home
with him, so it's not a behaviour from boredom or loneliness. I think he
just thinks it tastes good.

Thanks
Debbie Polley

[Denna Lasik]

You can try Bitter Apple spray, it's sold in pet stores. Cayenne
pepper often works nicely too. These are temporary solutions, though,
and may or may not work. The most effective way to handle this,
long-term, would probably be to keep the puppy away from the plants if
you can't be with him at the time, and to correct him EVERY time he
chews the moss when you are present.
Just a thought; If he only does it when you're present, it could be
that he considers your punishment attempts a game of sorts, and is
actively trying to goad you into participating in this game, or
perhaps he just likes the attention the act gets him, positive or
otherwise. I have found a stream of water in the face (from a squirt
gun or water bottle) a very effective and non-rewarding correction. I
don't get up, I don't make a fuss over the dog, I don't chase her, she
just gets a wet face; no fun in that! Of course, I have had dogs who
enjoyed water, even a stream of it in the face, so this one depends on
your dog... ;-)

Denna Lasik

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Denna Lasik wrote:

I was also told by a former breeder and a participator in a rescue operation that if you had
vinegar (50/50) to the water it will be even more effective. We have done that to our sammie
because he loves water. Its only a discomfort and does not harm the dog.

Steve

[WebbWeave]

Why not just pull the Spanish Moss stuff out of your plant pots?

Jane Webb
Mudpie & Moonpie